Whistleblowing

In principle, companies that regularly employ 50 or more employees are obliged to set up an internal reporting system (section 12 (1), (2) HinSchG). For companies with between 50 and 249 employees, this obligation will only apply from 17 December 2023 (section 42 HinSchG).

For certain employers, particularly in the financial and insurance sectors or for data provision companies, the obligation to set up an internal reporting office applies irrespective of the number of employees as of the entry into force of the Act (section 12 (3) HinSchG).   

Companies with 50 or more employees must establish an internal whistleblowing policy and an internal reporting channel. Companies with less than 50 employees can establish an internal whistleblowing policy and reporting channels at their own discretion or implement a group reporting channel.

Companies with 50-249 employees may develop a joint internal whistleblowing system and reporting channels. This applies to private entities registered and operating in Latvia. This does not extend to entities operating abroad, including group entities (eg, two companies operating in Latvia can establish one joint reporting channel).

Companies, operating in the finance sector, the area of prevention of money laundering, terrorism and proliferation financing, and the areas of transport security or environmental protection must also establish an internal whistleblowing system if they have less than 50 employees.